Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Atlanta is 65% more expensive than Knoxville.

$1,617/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 31%
$81,938/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 38%
$420,600 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 49%
$1,695/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 37%
499,287
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Knoxville, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $30,944/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Atlanta or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Knoxville?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Knoxville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $30,944/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Knoxville details →

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